With a growing number of people relying on social media for communication, it’s no surprise that many turn to Snapchat. The platform allows users to easily share content and messages that disappear after a brief period. But one downside of this convenience is blackmail. Scammers and hackers use various tactics to exploit people’s personal information and extort money or favors. Snapchat’s disappearing messages may seem safe, but users are not immune to blackmailers. Keep reading for our experts’ advice on what to do if you get blackmailed on Snapchat.
How Do Users Get Blackmailed on Snapchat?
Snapchat has become a fan favorite among many online — including cybercriminals. They weaponize the platform’s impermanence to dispel their targets’ doubts. Afterall, it’s easier to convince someone to share private information if they believe the messages will disappear.
However, it’s very easy to inconspicuously record interactions on Snapchat. They could simply screenshot the content, but this will alert the sender. To work around this, criminals have developed third-party applications that can save messages without alerting the victim. More simply, the criminal could take a photo of the messages on another device.
Another feature that makes blackmail a staple on Snapchat is the ease of creating new accounts. The use of Bitmojis rather than profile pictures makes faking an identity that much easier. Furthermore, blackmailers can easily create new accounts to reach their victims if they’ve been blocked. This makes it difficult to get rid of blackmailers on Snapchat.
How to Deal with Being Blackmailed on Snapchat
The most important factor in responding after being blackmailed on Snapchat is time. You need to react quickly, but taking the wrong steps can make matters worse. It’s important to be prepared, so our experts have outlined the best path to stop blackmail on Snapchat.
Don’t Comply with the Blackmailer
If someone is blackmailing you on Snapchat, you may feel tempted to agree to their demands. This is especially true if they threaten to release compromising information or explicit photos. However, paying the extortionist will only make them ask for more. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee that they will keep their word and delete the content.
Paying the blackmailer also encourages them to continue their criminal activity and target more victims. Instead, you can stall their demands by pushing back the payment deadline using delay tactics. Give them excuses like, “I get paid in two weeks,” to buy time to reach out to experts for assistance.
Secure Your Snapchat Account
To avoid further harm, be cautious about who you accept as friends on Snapchat. Cybercriminals often create fake Snapchat accounts and use attractive photos to lure people into adding them. Once you’re on their friend list, they’ll use social engineering to coerce you into divulging personal information and money.
Collect Evidence of the Blackmail
You will need evidence to prove you were blackmailed on Snapchat and recreate an accurate timeline of the crime. Document anything relevant to the situation. You should record their username, Bitmoji, threatening messages, and timestamps. This will be critical as you move on to the next step and look to take legal action.
Notify the Proper Authorities
You should report the incident to Snapchat as soon as possible. Snapchat has a Safety Center where you can notify the administrator of the crime. The team will investigate the incident and take action against the offender.
In cases where the blackmailer has made serious threats or demands, contacting local law enforcement is vital. They can offer you legal advice and assistance in dealing with the offender. Always share the details of the offense and any evidence you might have, like screenshots or chat transcripts. Remember that online blackmail is a serious offense, and the authorities will take it seriously.
Seeking Further Support: Resources for Victims
Getting blackmailed on Snapchat is emotionally damaging and traumatic. Don’t hesitate to seek the support of people you trust. This can be a family member, friend, community member, or professional support specialist.
Dealing with the aftermath of Snapchat blackmail can be a daunting and stressful experience. Having someone who can listen to you and offer guidance can make a big difference. Moreover, sharing your story can raise awareness about the dangers of Snapchat blackmail and protect others from similar situations.
Do Blackmailers on Snapchat Follow Through?
Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to this question. There is always a possibility that the blackmailer could make good on their threats. Factors like your social status and the way you initially respond can determine if they will follow through.
However, cybercriminals are unpredictable and can respond irrationally when they believe they are losing control. Because of this, it’s important that you heed the advice of our experts and follow the response plan above.
Safeguarding Your Privacy: Tips to Avoid Being Blackmailed on Snapchat
Although cybercriminals use Snapchat for malicious crimes, it doesn’t mean the platform can’t be fun and safe. Users can lower their risk of being blackmailed on Snapchat by learning how to securely use the platform. Here are some techniques our analysts suggest you incorporate while using the app.
- Set Strong Privacy Settings. Snapchat gives users several privacy settings to control who can see their snaps, stories, and location. You can limit who can interact with you by making your account private and changing your “Who Can…” setting. Also, you can disable the “Quick Add” feature to restrict Snapchat from recommending your account to others who aren’t your friends.
- Be Cautious About Adding Strangers. Regarding social media, you must be cautious about whom you add as friends. Avoid accepting requests from people you don’t know, especially if they have no mutual connections. This way, you can decrease the risk of strangers accessing your content.
- Don’t Share Sensitive Information. Snapchat is designed to share your daily moments. However, you should avoid sharing sensitive information like your home address, financial information, or personal contact information. It would be best if you protect yourself from potential scammers online.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication. Snapchat provides an extra layer of security by using two-factor authentication. If you enable it, you will receive a verification code on your device when you try to log in. This will prevent unauthorized access to your account.
How Working with Cybersecurity Experts can be Beneficial
The aftermath of being blackmailed on Snapchat is a lot to handle alone. Victims have to figure out how to stall for time, what evidence to collect, and who to notify. Not only is this a time-sensitive task, but also one that is completed under extreme duress.
However, victims don’t have to take on this burden alone. Cybersecurity professionals can investigate the situation and guide you to a successful recovery. These experts have experience, knowledge, and technology that allow them to recover evidence that wouldn’t be available alone.
They can use the metadata embedded within your Snapchat messages to derive the blackmailer’s location and identity. This opens the door to legal avenues that would require you to know who the criminal is, such as restraining orders.
Cybersecurity experts can continue to be of assistance, even after your case has concluded. They can evaluate your current security system for any vulnerabilities and suggest safe online practices. These services can protect you from getting blackmailed on Snapchat in the future.
At Cyber Investigation, our team of experts is ready to step in. You can contact our Blackmail Helpline any time of day to connect with one of our specialists. Don’t struggle alone, get the expert assistance you need today.
